Finally bought a 1903 Colt

1929officialpolice · April 6, 2013, 04:53 PM

I have been wanting one of these pistols for several years now. After joining this forum I learned about the C&R license which i received a while back. This one was hidden on gunbroker as a buy it now, but unlike most of the buy it now prices, i felt this one was fair to under priced, so i bit and this is what arrived. I know it isn't anything special but i also know almost everybody can appreciate a nice old Colt.

http://s93.photobucket.com/user/easj369/library/?page=1

1929officialpolice · April 6, 2013, 04:57 PM

If the link is not working please let me know

m.p.driver · April 6, 2013, 05:17 PM

Sweet!...Always have liked "Older Colt's",just seemed like they were put together with some pride.Didn't think i was a snob until i took stock,and found i no longer own a Colt made after 1958,plus or minus.

1929officialpolice · April 6, 2013, 05:47 PM

I agree with you. I don't own many firearms but the two Colts I do own are from the '20s. Hence the 1929 official police as my name. Sad thing is with the revolver it hung out in a safe for about a decade which resulted in a lot of pitting and surface rust, but it still shoots like a champ.

m.p.driver · April 6, 2013, 06:23 PM

Got several 1917's and even an 1909 that all still lock up like a bank vault.Got two heavy barrel official police trade ins,one digit apart,that shoot like match guns.Have a 1873 that was manufactured in 1884,that looks like he11,but still will keep them on the paper.Two Colt's that i couldn't wait to get rid of was a Magnum carry,and a Stainless National Match.It was obvious that Colt had dis continued quality control in order to let those two lemons slip through.

James K · April 6, 2013, 08:31 PM

That is a very nice 1903. The grips appear to be perfect, so please be careful with them, as that old hard rubber turns brittle with age (and also often turns an olive or brown color as those did).

The finish is original, the wear being the result of some amount of holster carry. Do NOT, repeat NOT, attempt to reblue it or have it refinished in any way.

Jim

1929officialpolice · April 6, 2013, 09:04 PM

james, you do not have to worry about any of those things. I have had it for a few weeks and plan to warm up the barrel with a box, then just let it sit. I am still keeping my eye out for a beater that i wont mind shooting more often.
But when all is said and done, i still think i did alright for $500 and a few more for shipping.

James K · April 7, 2013, 12:45 PM

Yes, I think you did OK.

Jim

BoogieMan · April 22, 2013, 08:36 AM

My father left me a 1903 and a Llama 1911ish. My sister wanted one and I let her have her pick seeing as I also have the family business. Sadly she grabbed the 1903. Mine (I mean hers) had great grips and the blue was about 80% but everything was original. My dad used to shoot rats (well try) in the barn with a his buddies and some manhattans. They are such a sweet shooting little pistol with almost no recoil. Smooth as butter and very reliable. Some day I hope to own another.

madcratebuilder · April 23, 2013, 09:14 AM

Great example of the 1903. These early Colt slide guns are among my favorite pistols. I only wish I had acquired more of them before the prices went nuts. My last score was this 1922 made 1903.

1929officialpolice · April 23, 2013, 06:46 PM

I really do think they are timeless pieces. I am still trying to buy the first one i ever saw that introduced me to them. Guy wants to sell, then doesn't want to sell. Wants $550 then wants $650. Just can't make up his mind. But at least I have one now and that's better then not having one.

Rodger_p · April 24, 2013, 06:18 AM

I think you did very well on the price. That would be about, say, 1923 production?

1929officialpolice · April 24, 2013, 05:31 PM

1924

Zhillsauditor · April 24, 2013, 09:18 PM

I have a 1909 that I am attempting to refinish, but the rust is so bad I'm not sure I'm going to be able to save it.

Ricklin · April 26, 2013, 10:26 PM

I dearly love my 1923 03 colt. One of my best trades ever. I traded an old Police Positive 38 special for it. The revolver was old, tired and reblued, poorly I might add.
The 03 is in very nice shape. You can just see the bones of JMB's masterpiece in the 03.

1929officialpolice · July 21, 2013, 07:18 AM

It has been several months since I bought this pistol and finally had the opportunity to shoot it. I'm in love. My favorite part was there were zero malfunctions using flat nose and hollow points. I used 6 different brands of ammo and miss matching them in the magazine to see if it would jam but everything fed 100%. I shot ten magazines at 7 yards.
[IMG]

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**Mike Irwin** · July 21, 2013, 08:11 AM

Very sweet. I've often thought about getting one of the old Colt semi-autos, but I'd really rather have a Remington 51.

But, given that they were made in far fewer numbers, I guess I'd just better start looking for a Colt...

1929officialpolice · July 21, 2013, 05:45 PM

I wouldn't mind a Remington myself, as long as it's a .32. I have a fondness for the caliber even though it isn't exactly a firehouse.

Winchester_73 · July 21, 2013, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Very sweet. I've often thought about getting one of the old Colt semi-autos, but I'd really rather have a Remington 51.

Just get both Mike, this way you don't miss out on anything! I know I'm happy with that choice

**Mike Irwin** · July 21, 2013, 10:02 PM

Every 51 I've come across has had one or more problems, mostly the owner thinking that they're made out of unicorn farts and unobtanium.

James K · July 21, 2013, 10:56 PM

I don't know about the unicorn discharges, not having had to obtain one, but Model 51 parts are hard to get, which is why I usually advise against shooting them. The most common problem is broken grips, a result of people trying to pry them off. (Grips are available today - the plastic part - and the metal can be swapped over.)

As a FWIW, many writers have tried to explain why the Model 51 was made with the separate breech block. The actual reason was that the idea of a one-piece slide and breechblock had already been patented by one John Browning, so poor Pedersen had to try to work around JMB's patents. (Browning had also patented the idea of using screws to attach auto pistol grips, hence the Remington's complex system.)

Jim

johnwilliamson062 · July 22, 2013, 11:37 AM

Colt 1903 might be the best looking semi-auto IMO. I know few others hold that opinion.

Melkiper · July 22, 2013, 12:00 PM

I am jealous, and I cant argue with John at all. That is one pretty gun!

Codyfreeman21 · August 10, 2013, 12:20 AM

Must say it is a nice gun

April 6, 2013, 04:53 PM	#1
1929officialpolice Member Join Date: July 11, 2012 Posts: 59	Finally bought a 1903 Colt I have been wanting one of these pistols for several years now. After joining this forum I learned about the C&R license which i received a while back. This one was hidden on gunbroker as a buy it now, but unlike most of the buy it now prices, i felt this one was fair to under priced, so i bit and this is what arrived. I know it isn't anything special but i also know almost everybody can appreciate a nice old Colt. http://s93.photobucket.com/user/easj369/library/?page=1

April 22, 2013, 08:36 AM	#9
BoogieMan Senior Member Join Date: April 4, 2012 Location: South Jersey Posts: 2,217	My father left me a 1903 and a Llama 1911ish. My sister wanted one and I let her have her pick seeing as I also have the family business. Sadly she grabbed the 1903. Mine (I mean hers) had great grips and the blue was about 80% but everything was original. My dad used to shoot rats (well try) in the barn with a his buddies and some manhattans. They are such a sweet shooting little pistol with almost no recoil. Smooth as butter and very reliable. Some day I hope to own another. __________________ Concentrated power is not rendered harmless by the good intentions of those who create it. Milton Freidman "If you find yourself in a fair fight,,, Your tactics suck"- Unknown

April 26, 2013, 10:26 PM	#15
Ricklin Senior Member Join Date: February 22, 2008 Location: SW Washington state Posts: 2,011	I dearly love my 1923 03 colt. One of my best trades ever. I traded an old Police Positive 38 special for it. The revolver was old, tired and reblued, poorly I might add. The 03 is in very nice shape. You can just see the bones of JMB's masterpiece in the 03. __________________ ricklin Freedom is not free

July 21, 2013, 07:18 AM	#16
1929officialpolice Member Join Date: July 11, 2012 Posts: 59	It has been several months since I bought this pistol and finally had the opportunity to shoot it. I'm in love. My favorite part was there were zero malfunctions using flat nose and hollow points. I used 6 different brands of ammo and miss matching them in the magazine to see if it would jam but everything fed 100%. I shot ten magazines at 7 yards. [IMG][/IMG]

July 21, 2013, 08:11 AM	#17
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,381	Very sweet. I've often thought about getting one of the old Colt semi-autos, but I'd really rather have a Remington 51. But, given that they were made in far fewer numbers, I guess I'd just better start looking for a Colt... __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

April 6, 2013, 04:57 PM	#2
1929officialpolice Member Join Date: July 11, 2012 Posts: 59	If the link is not working please let me know

April 6, 2013, 05:17 PM	#3
m.p.driver Senior Member Join Date: January 25, 2009 Location: Ohio Posts: 552	Sweet!...Always have liked "Older Colt's",just seemed like they were put together with some pride.Didn't think i was a snob until i took stock,and found i no longer own a Colt made after 1958,plus or minus.

April 6, 2013, 05:47 PM	#4
1929officialpolice Member Join Date: July 11, 2012 Posts: 59	I agree with you. I don't own many firearms but the two Colts I do own are from the '20s. Hence the 1929 official police as my name. Sad thing is with the revolver it hung out in a safe for about a decade which resulted in a lot of pitting and surface rust, but it still shoots like a champ.

April 6, 2013, 06:23 PM	#5
m.p.driver Senior Member Join Date: January 25, 2009 Location: Ohio Posts: 552	Got several 1917's and even an 1909 that all still lock up like a bank vault.Got two heavy barrel official police trade ins,one digit apart,that shoot like match guns.Have a 1873 that was manufactured in 1884,that looks like he11,but still will keep them on the paper.Two Colt's that i couldn't wait to get rid of was a Magnum carry,and a Stainless National Match.It was obvious that Colt had dis continued quality control in order to let those two lemons slip through.

April 6, 2013, 08:31 PM	#6
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	That is a very nice 1903. The grips appear to be perfect, so please be careful with them, as that old hard rubber turns brittle with age (and also often turns an olive or brown color as those did). The finish is original, the wear being the result of some amount of holster carry. Do NOT, repeat NOT, attempt to reblue it or have it refinished in any way. Jim

April 6, 2013, 09:04 PM	#7
1929officialpolice Member Join Date: July 11, 2012 Posts: 59	james, you do not have to worry about any of those things. I have had it for a few weeks and plan to warm up the barrel with a box, then just let it sit. I am still keeping my eye out for a beater that i wont mind shooting more often. But when all is said and done, i still think i did alright for $500 and a few more for shipping.

April 7, 2013, 12:45 PM	#8
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	Yes, I think you did OK. Jim

April 23, 2013, 09:14 AM	#10
madcratebuilder Senior Member Join Date: November 2, 2007 Location: Northern Orygun Posts: 4,923	Great example of the 1903. These early Colt slide guns are among my favorite pistols. I only wish I had acquired more of them before the prices went nuts. My last score was this 1922 made 1903.

April 23, 2013, 06:46 PM	#11
1929officialpolice Member Join Date: July 11, 2012 Posts: 59	I really do think they are timeless pieces. I am still trying to buy the first one i ever saw that introduced me to them. Guy wants to sell, then doesn't want to sell. Wants $550 then wants $650. Just can't make up his mind. But at least I have one now and that's better then not having one.

April 24, 2013, 06:18 AM	#12
Rodger_p Senior Member Join Date: December 15, 2004 Location: East TN. Posts: 207	I think you did very well on the price. That would be about, say, 1923 production?

April 24, 2013, 05:31 PM	#13
1929officialpolice Member Join Date: July 11, 2012 Posts: 59	1924

April 24, 2013, 09:18 PM	#14
Zhillsauditor Senior Member Join Date: October 19, 2008 Posts: 635	I have a 1909 that I am attempting to refinish, but the rust is so bad I'm not sure I'm going to be able to save it.

July 21, 2013, 05:45 PM	#18
1929officialpolice Member Join Date: July 11, 2012 Posts: 59	I wouldn't mind a Remington myself, as long as it's a .32. I have a fondness for the caliber even though it isn't exactly a firehouse.

July 21, 2013, 10:02 PM	#20
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,381	Every 51 I've come across has had one or more problems, mostly the owner thinking that they're made out of unicorn farts and unobtanium. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

July 21, 2013, 10:56 PM	#21
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	I don't know about the unicorn discharges, not having had to obtain one, but Model 51 parts are hard to get, which is why I usually advise against shooting them. The most common problem is broken grips, a result of people trying to pry them off. (Grips are available today - the plastic part - and the metal can be swapped over.) As a FWIW, many writers have tried to explain why the Model 51 was made with the separate breech block. The actual reason was that the idea of a one-piece slide and breechblock had already been patented by one John Browning, so poor Pedersen had to try to work around JMB's patents. (Browning had also patented the idea of using screws to attach auto pistol grips, hence the Remington's complex system.) Jim

July 22, 2013, 11:37 AM	#22
johnwilliamson062 Junior member Join Date: May 16, 2008 Posts: 9,995	Colt 1903 might be the best looking semi-auto IMO. I know few others hold that opinion.

July 22, 2013, 12:00 PM	#23
Melkiper Member Join Date: January 13, 2013 Location: Billerica, MA Posts: 65	I am jealous, and I cant argue with John at all. That is one pretty gun!

August 10, 2013, 12:20 AM	#24
Codyfreeman21 Junior Member Join Date: August 8, 2013 Posts: 3	Must say it is a nice gun